Changes in Antibiotic Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori in the Course of Eight Years in the Zaanstreek Region in The Netherlands.

Background. Failure of anti-Helicobacter therapy is the result noncompliance and resistance to the prescribed antibiotics. Aim.

Functional dyspepsia is associated with cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains.

Background: The antigen CagA can be used as a marker for virulence of Helicobacter pylori. It is tempting to assume that H. pylori strains positive for cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) could be responsible for functional dyspepsia.

Colonization with cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains inversely associated with reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus.

Aim: The hypothesis that colonization with cagA(+) Helicobacter pylori strains protects against the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications is tested.

Methods: Patients with reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus were studied. Antral biopsy specimens were obtained for detection of H.

Clinical presentation of Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative functional dyspepsia.

Background: A questionnaire was used to record the clinical presentation of functional dyspepsia in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection in a consecutive series of patients sent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Only patients without macroscopic abnormalities in their oesophagus, stomach and duodenum were included.

Methods: The study questionnaire included two questions related to daily life, and the calculation of a symptom score.

IgG antibody titer against Helicobacter pylori correlates with presence of cytotoxin associated gene A-positive H. pylori strains.

The level of the IgG antibody titer against Helicobacter pylori correlates with the severity of gastritis. H. pylori strains can harbor the so-called pathogenicity island, containing the cytotoxin associated gene (cagA).